President Obama discusses the economy and other topics with CNN's John King.

(CNN) - A remarkably diverse issues portfolio in the week ahead, and if you prefer a neat theme to lump it all together, try this: Follow the leader - or leaders if you want a week with international flavor.

President Obama will explore the world, and many of its problems and crises, over the course of the week without traveling all that far. Two major international gatherings the United Nations General Assembly in New York and a G-20 economic summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will bring a host of international dignitaries to the United States.

But back to the world stage in a moment.

The president begins the week looking to bolster public confidence in the strength of the U.S. economy - and in his handling of economic issues.

More confident is a good way to describe the president's mood when it comes to the overall economic outlook; extraordinarily cautious - his choice of words when looking at the economy from the perspective the matters most of everyday Americans.

Editor's Note: PolitiFact.com is a project of the St. Petersburg Times that aims to help you find the truth in politics. Every day, reporters and researchers from the Times examine statements by members of Congress, the president, etc. They research their statements and then rate the accuracy on their Truth-O-Meter.

President Obama in an interview on ''This Week'' with George Stephanopoulos.

President Barack Obama went on the Sunday news shows to make the case for health reform.

This Week host George Stephanopolous questioned Obama on his support for an individual mandate, which requires everyone who can find affordable coverage to purchase health insurance.

Obama defended the matter as a fairness issue to people who now have coverage.

"Here's what's happening," Obama said. "You and I are both paying 900 bucks on average - our families - in higher premiums because of uncompensated care. Now, what I've said is that, if you can't afford health insurance, you certainly shouldn't be punished for that. That's just piling on.

"If, on the other hand, we're giving tax credits, we've set up an exchange, you are now part of a big pool. We've driven down the costs, we've done everything we can, and you actually can afford health insurance. But you've just decided, 'You know what? I want to take my chances,' and then you get hit by a bus, (then) you and I have to pay for the emergency room care."

CNN: King: Busy week for the president
A remarkably diverse issues portfolio in the week ahead, and if you prefer a neat theme to lump it all together, try this: Follow the leader - or leaders if you want a week with international flavor.

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